UP Fashion: UP Christmas Party—Look Dapper, be a Flapper
Fashion seems to be forever looking over its shoulder. Now, events curators at UP Nairobi are set to bring back the 1920’s with an amazing party to end 2015. The prohibition era of 1920’s in the United States meant pleasure-seekers had to find alternative ways to get merry. This led to the birth of the ‘speakeasy’ - underground bars in the cities where partygoers could dress up, dance, drink and express themselves.
It was that one time to can dress up as a flapper, dance the Charleston, drink absinthe while smoking from a foot-long cigarette holder and generally behave as though the Sodom and Gomorrah is never going to be burned down.
So, how do you pull of a 20’s look in 2015 in Nairobi? UP fashion creative types tip you:
What to wear:
Chaps
For any person looking for inspiration, Nigerian-American pop star, ‘Classic Man’ Jidenna will be a great place to start in 2015. It is all about class. Men – you can’t put on any old rags.
Back in the days, speakeasies were used as homes and offices by gangsters, who adopted an extravagant lifestyle. Successful gangsters could be identified by their fashionable silk suits, expensive jewellery, and guns. The latter, avoid showing up to a public event with one.
Al Capone will be a great inspiration: pin-striped suits with fedora hats. Black or white ties on a black shirt, spats (white canvas or vinyl shoe covers).
UPs Two Cents: Top off the chosen look with a hat (it was a must own item back then) and you will have a genuine twenties look.
Chicks
We saved the last for you Flappers! The 20’s saw a new woman reborn: she smoked, drank, danced, and voted; she cut her hair, wore heavy make-up; she was giddy and took risks. She was a Flapper.
UP’s Two Cents: If you want a genuine 1920s look, it comprised of a short, finger-waved bob with a feathered headband, a drop-waisted, fringed or heavily beaded cocktail dress, over-the-knee stockings and a sexy pair of round-toed heels. Accessories like pearls and feather boa were a must have. The look was completed by a bell-shaped hat called a cloche and a personal hipflask neatly strapped to your garter.
See you at Florida Flappers and Dappers.
For more on the event, click here.
Classic man Jidenna advice for classic man dressing
Gatsby Flapper Look
